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Adjust the Bust

The Complete Guide

Don't let darts that point to the wrong place or straining seams ruin a perfect garment. Kathleen Cheetham shows you how to adjust for any size bust.

Busts come in all shapes and sizes, so why should your pattern only come in one? Join Kathleen Cheetham as she teaches the basics of correct measuring and finding your bust point, demonstrates full and small bust adjustments for any style of garment, and shows you how to create an ideal pattern for your body. True up your hems, side seams and armholes after alterations for a professional result, and learn tailoring skills that you can use over and over for any garment.

Lesson plan

Lesson 1. Meet Kathleen Cheetham & Get Started

Lesson 2. Preparing the Pattern

Adjust your measurements and learn how to true up the pattern and create the pattern master.

36:46

Lesson 3. Understanding the Bust Point

Learn how to mark the bust point and adjust bust darts and seams.

44:34

Lesson 4. Adjusting No-Dart Tops

Learn how to adjust hems, armholes and darts for busts, as well as slashing & pivoting.

24:01

Lesson 5. Adjusting Existing Side-Seam Darts

Learn all about redrafting the side seam and adjusting the hem accordingly.

29:44

Lesson 6. Adjusting Princess-Seamed Tops

Learn how to adjust princess-seamed tops for full or smaller busts and how to redraft the pattern.

"I have many sewing books that contain directions for an FBA, but this class was an eye-opener for me. Kathleen Cheetham's demonstrations are accompanied by clear explanations that just make sense. Loved the class - definitely worth the money." - SewLogical

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Lesson 1. Meet Kathleen Cheetham & Get Started

Lesson 2. Preparing the Pattern

Adjust your measurements and learn how to true up the pattern and create the pattern master.

36:46

Lesson 3. Understanding the Bust Point

Learn how to mark the bust point and adjust bust darts and seams.

44:34

Lesson 4. Adjusting No-Dart Tops

Learn how to adjust hems, armholes and darts for busts, as well as slashing & pivoting.

24:01

Lesson 5. Adjusting Existing Side-Seam Darts

Learn all about redrafting the side seam and adjusting the hem accordingly.

29:44

Lesson 6. Adjusting Princess-Seamed Tops

Learn how to adjust princess-seamed tops for full or smaller busts and how to redraft the pattern.

The instructor

Kathleen Cheetham, Instructor of Adjust the Bust

Kathleen Cheetham teaches workshops and sells her pattern line at sewing consumer and trade shows throughout the U.S. and Canada. She also runs a custom tailoring shop for women and teaches classes on fitting and design. Her articles have regularly appeared in Threads magazine, and her line of patterns has been featured in Sew News, Threads, Australian Stitches, and Sewing World UK. She is the author of Perfect Plus: Sew a Mix-and-Match Wardrobe for Plus and Petite-Plus Sizes.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(32 reviews)

Excellent instructions

by tytbody on July 8, 2015

This lady is very very very good. I learned a lot after 3 trials but it was a bit frustrating as she does not answer your questions for one week. I wanted to progress but I had to wait a long time for answers. Otherwise, I finally got a blouse to fit as best I can. I love her patience and calm demeanor. I have signed up for other classes because I feel I will learn.

This lady is very very very good. I learned a lot after 3 trials but it was a bit frustrating as she does not answer your questions for one week. I wanted to progress but I had to wait a long time for answers. Otherwise, I finally got a blouse to fit as best I can. I love her patience and calm demeanor. I have signed up for other classes because I feel I will learn.

love this class

by Whiskeydoodle on May 25, 2015

I have been following this class for a while and I am so glad that I recently had the opportunity to purchase this class. It's so informative! :)

I have been following this class for a while and I am so glad that I recently had the opportunity to purchase this class. It's so informative! :)

very,very good

by falmouthc3748686 on April 17, 2015

the lectures were clear, informative,and in great detail.this was my first dvd and i do not yet know how to download anything. my husband is trying to learn this quickly because i want to find a way to keep all this valuable information. maybe i will have to telephone craftsy to see if they can help my husband learn downloading.

Question: how long can i have access to my lessons to review material????

many thanks,

joann grinnell

the lectures were clear, informative,and in great detail.this was my first dvd and i do not yet know how to download anything. my husband is trying to learn this quickly because i want to find a way to keep all this valuable information. maybe i will have to telephone craftsy to see if they can help my husband learn downloading.

Question: how long can i have access to my lessons to review material????

many thanks,

joann grinnellfalmouthccma@yahoo.com.

Adjusting The Dart Area

by Chendrix on April 6, 2015

Love it

Love it

Excellent Class. Immediate Results!

by Umiluv on April 5, 2015

This class is great! I'm a 34D and this class is just what I needed to help me adjust my pattern to match my bust. I'm so glad I purchased this class to help me with my first major sewing project (my first dress).

I originally made a muslin with the bust measurement recommended by the pattern and only my bust fit and nothing else. After reading that most patterns are made for B cups, I purchased this class to learn how to do a full bust adjustment on my pattern and now my ...

This class is great! I'm a 34D and this class is just what I needed to help me adjust my pattern to match my bust. I'm so glad I purchased this class to help me with my first major sewing project (my first dress).

I originally made a muslin with the bust measurement recommended by the pattern and only my bust fit and nothing else. After reading that most patterns are made for B cups, I purchased this class to learn how to do a full bust adjustment on my pattern and now my second muslin fits great! Only a few fit adjustments in other places. ^_^

The course includes multiple bodice pattern style types to adjust. I highly recommend this class for anyone looking to adjust their patterns to properly accommodate their bust.